The Silent Musician

Original version

BBC Radio 3 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced Third Programme.

BBC Radio 3

Radio 3

Music: Classical: Orchestral

Conductor Ben Gernon unlocks the traditions and sound worlds of our best orchestras.

Conductor Ben Gernon unlocks the traditions and sound worlds of our best orchestras, opening our ears to a fascinating and unusual profession.

When conductor Ben Gernon tells people what he does, he's almost always met with the same response "oh how fascinating... now tell me, what do you actually do?" 

Beneath the surface lies a fascinating and unusual profession. The conductor's job spec includes refining colour, manipulating sound and balance, interpretation and philosophy. They think deeply about music, culture, history and performance practice and they need to inspire 70 or so - sometimes rebellious - musicians. But how does that all come together to create a distinctive performance?

In The Silent Musician, Ben charts a sonically rich and provocative ride through the conducting jungle, opening our ears to the possibilities in performance that different conductors create. He unlocks the traditions and sound worlds of our best orchestras (and their concert halls), and explores what happens to the music making when there is no conductor.

The Silent Musician: A Leader is Made

A Leader is Made

BBC Radio 3 - The Silent Musician, A Leader is Made

How do orchestras work without conductors?

Ben Gernon explores how the instrument a conductor plays influences their technique. And what happens when ensembles decide to work without a conductor?

When does an agile, collaborative chamber ensemble become an orchestra on the run, charging for the finish line? There’s no doubt that the best orchestras can play without a conductor, but where do they find the spontaneity, fire and focus when the podium is empty? Ben explores the possibilities and pitfalls that are created by ensembles who work without a conductor.

As a tuba player himself, Ben also considers how a conductor’s chosen instrument influences their style on the podium and their understanding of the score.

Respighi: The Birds P 154, 5th movement - The Cuckoo 
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra 

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg no 3, BWV 1048:  1st movement 
Academy of Ancient Music, Richard Egarr (conductor) 

Praise the Lord (from Black Christ of the Andes) 
Mary Lou Williams (piano and vocal) & band

Britten: Variations on a theme of Frank Bridge (extract)
Ostobothnian Chamber Orchestra, Sakari Oramo (conductor)
Alba ABCD387 tr 4-7

Beethoven: Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor, 3rd movement 
Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)

Barber: Knoxville 
London Symphony Orchestra

Schumann: Symphony no 1, 1st movement
Spira Mirabilis 

Jose Carli: Fuga y misterio
The 12 cellists of the Berlin Philharmoniker 

Produced by Freya Hellier
An Overcoat Media production

Live music and the arts: broadcasts more live music than any other radio network. Classical music is its core. Genres include world and new music, jazz, speech and drama.

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